Emergency alerts
Mechanicsburg | Messiah Lifeways

Mechanicsburg | Messiah Lifeways

Since 2011, U-GRO has served as the daycare and preschool operator for Messiah Lifeways at Messiah Village, a continuing care retirement community in Mechanicsburg. Our curriculum includes an intergenerational program with “grandfriends," which combines their talents and life skills in daily and special events. Conveniently located off Route 15, this facility makes it easy to serve the needs of employee families as well as our surrounding communities.

100 Mt. Allen Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

(717) 796-8157

Monday through Friday
6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Take Virtual Tour
View Map Get Directions

100 Mt. Allen Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

(717) 796-8157

Monday through Friday
6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

With a bachelor’s degree in human development & family science and over 6 years of experience, Alex joined the U-GRO family in 2017. Prior to becoming a director, Alex spent time as a toddler and Pre-K teacher as well as serving as an assistant director. "I wholeheartedly believe in the value of a positive preschool experience and treasure every creative, compassionate, and chaotic moment in the adventures of early childhood education! Our staff are consistently finding new ways to educate our children in a fun and exciting way, while incorporating Spanish, sign-language, and our grandfriends!"
With a bachelor’s degree in human development & family science and over 6 years of experience, Alex joined the U-GRO family in 2017. Prior to becoming a director, Alex spent time as a toddler and Pre-K teacher as well as serving as an assistant director. "I wholeheartedly believe in the value of a positive preschool experience and treasure every creative, compassionate, and chaotic moment in the adventures of early childhood education! Our staff are consistently finding new ways to educate our children in a fun and exciting way, while incorporating Spanish, sign-language, and our grandfriends!"

Curriculum

We offer full- and part-time programs for children 6 weeks to 7 years old, two to five days a week. All educational and childcare programs are conducted in age-appropriate classes that promote small class sizes.

Center Features

  • 8 classrooms with cozy atmosphere
  • Life Skills programs
  • Intergenerational programming with Messiah Lifeways residents
  • Secure and separate infant & toddler and preschool outdoor gross motor spaces
  • Secure access and sign-in system
  • 2017 Harrisburg Magazine Readers’ Choice Winner Best Childcare!
Request Info Schedule Visit

Location Reviews

December 31, 2018
Tara Stock
East Berlin, PA
I love getting reports throughout the day! Receiving feedback if my child is having an off day!
Report a concern
December 11, 2018
Kathleen Osborne
Mechanicsburg, PA
Love the entire program, especially the interaction with “grand friends”. I think it’s wonderful how many different activities the kids get to participate in.
Report a concern
December 11, 2018
Maddie Bushey
Mechanicsburg, PA
I have been impressed with how the teachers at U-GRO care for my children and the time they take in providing experiences that extend the lessons they teach!
Report a concern
December 8, 2018
Julie Storm
Dillsburg, PA
U-Gro has been amazing, our sons transition to a classroom/daycare setting has been seamless. All the teachers are amazing and so caring. My son has learned so much since staring 3 months ago! Miss Kathy and Miss Katie are exceptional teachers, they rock!
Report a concern
December 7, 2018
G.E.
York Springs, PA
I love everything about the U-Gro! Nice facility, wonderful teachers, everyone is so helpful! I tell all my friends about the U-Gro. Everyone should send their kids here!!!
Report a concern
December 5, 2018
L.S.
Carlisle, PA
Everyone is friendly. Also that they learn Spanish and have a fitness time.
Report a concern
December 5, 2018
M.C.
Boiling Springs, PA
The teachers and staff are great with children and really love them as if they were their own!
Report a concern
November 29, 2018
B.R.
Mechanicsburg, PA
My son loves the teachers at U-Gro. U-Gro has been very helpful and flexible with our schedules.
Report a concern
November 29, 2018
Annie Phillips
Harrisburg, PA
I love the teachers, the activities the kids do, how much my child is learning, and I especially love the Grandfriends program!
Report a concern
November 29, 2018
K.S.
Hummelstown, PA
Teachers, curriculum/training for students and teachers and safe/ supportive environment.
Report a concern

Daily Schedule

  • Preschool
  • Toddler
Open-9:00 a.m.

Arrival (Breakfast until 8:00 a.m.)
Free Choice Learning Play
Art Experience

9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Together Time: Morning Meeting, Language Experience
Story time
AM Snack
Learning Stations
Outside Play
Together Time: Letter of the Week Activity
Music and Movement

11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Lunch

12:00 p.m.-12:30 p.m.

Songs and Finger Plays
Story Time

12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

    Nap Time

2:30 p.m.-4:15 p.m.

    Wake Up
    PM Snack
    Outside Play
    Together Time: Theme or Project Activity

4:15 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

    Free Choice and Small Group Activities
    Story time
    Teacher Directed Activity
    Songs and Finger Plays

5:30 p.m.-Close

    Table Activities

Open-9:30 a.m.

Arrival (Breakfast until 8:00 a.m.)
Free Choice Learning Play
Diapering/Pottying (every 2 hours)
Art Experience
Readiness Skills Activity
Together Time: Language Experience, Songs & Finger Plays
Story Time

9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

AM Snack
Diapering/Pottying (every 2 hours)
Free Choice and Small Group Activities
Outside Play or Walk
Together Time: Theme Related Activity
Music and Movement

11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Lunch
Diapering/Pottying (every 2 hours)
Story Time
Nap Time

2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

    Wake Up
    Diapering/Pottying (every 2 hours)
    PM Snack
    Outside Play or Walk
    Together Time: Math Concept Activity

4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

    Free Choice and Small Group Activities
    Diapering/Pottying (every 2 hours)
    Teacher Directed Activity
    Songs and Fingerplays
    Story Time

5:30 p.m.-Close

    Table Activities

Take Virtual TourGet Directions